Our Chamonix base for winter ice climbing spoils us with a variety of incredible ice climbing venues.
The duration is designed to enable you to develop good basic skills from which to launch your ice climbing obsession, should you so wish! We take you to climb some of the best ice in France and Italy where you can elect to climb anything from short one-pitch routes through to multi-pitch adventures.
The Chamonix Ice Courses are ideal for climbers who want to progress their ice climbing and enjoy the variety of routes on offer. We start off in Chamonix then travel through to Italy’s ice mecca, Cogne, for its abundance of ice climbing opportunities. This certainly is the most civilised way to climb some incredible routes.
Based from local hotels with short hikes to the start of the routes each day, you have the option to climb the plumb lines in several of the best regions or stick to one region and climb as many routes as possible in your timeframe.
You can come with a friend for 1:2 climbing with a guide, or by yourself for 1:1 climbing and decide whether to utilise the time for learning and developing your skills or you may simply want to get some routes under your belt. You’ll be surprised at how well you progress.
We offer focused guide attention to ensure consistency across the program. Whilst other operators combine you with large groups on training days we know your safety will be better protected and the learning progressions will be enhanced with the attentive care of your guide and smaller guide to climber ratios.
Adventure Consultants guides are BMG/NZMGA and / or IFMGA-UIAGM qualified mountain guides. They are professional mountaineers and operate to the highest industry standards.
Being a technically proficient climber alone is not enough to work with us; our standards demand that trip leaders are great guides as well. You will find your guide friendly, approachable and focused on providing a safe and enjoyable trip in line with your objectives and comfort level.
Success with the highest margin of care is always a hallmark of our approach; promoting the realisation that even extreme pursuits such as high altitude mountaineering can be undertaken safely.
Adventure Consultants only employs IFMGA qualified guides for European ascents and courses and this is the only certification that is recognised in the French Alps. In order to gain these qualifications guides must undergo rigorous training and assessment on climbing skills, instructional skills, avalanche training and assessment, wilderness first aid, rescue training and much more. The qualification takes many years to attain and ensures you are getting a world class professional service.
Dates 2024
Trip 1: December 31 to January 6
Trip 2: January 7–13
Trip 3: January 14–20
Trip 4: January 21–27
Trip 5: January 28 – February 3
Trip 6: February 4–10
Trip 7: February 11–17
Trip 8: February 18–24
Pricing Schedule 2024
1:1 Ratio: €4,610 per person
1:2 Ratio: €2,520 per person
Inclusions
The price of your trip includes the following:
Exclusions
The price of your trip does not include:
Account Information
For our European ascents and courses, prices are in Euros and must be settled in Euros. All prices are subject to change.
All payments should be made by bank transfer to the following bank and account:
Bank of New Zealand
Offshore Branch
42 Willis Street
Spark Central
Wellington
New Zealand
for the account of Adventure Consultants Limited
Account # 1000-594771-0002
Account Type: Euros
Swift Address: BKNZNZ22
We can also accept your deposit and balance payments by credit card (Visa, Mastercard, Amex) plus a 3% credit card transaction fee.
Please note that in order to reserve a guide we recommend that you book well in advance. This especially applies to the high season period (early-July to end of August).
Deposit
In order to confirm a guide and your trip, we require a completed Booking Form and a deposit of €500.
Balance Payment
Full payment is due 60 days prior to the start date for your course/ascent. We will send you receipts for all payments.
Cancellation & Refund Policy
Once you have paid your deposit your trip is confirmed, subject to payment of the balance of fees owing 60 days prior to your trip commencement date.
We recommend you take out trip cancellation insurance via your travel agent.
The Course Notes provide detailed information and background for Adventure Consultants' Chamonix and Cogne Ice Climbing Courses.
You can view the notes online by clicking the image or download a pdf by clicking the link below:
Team Membership
1 guide to 2 climbers maximum or 1:1.
Our Guides
Adventure Consultants guides are BMG/NZMGA and / or IFMGA-UIAGM qualified mountain guides. They are professional mountaineers and operate to the highest industry standards.
Being a technically proficient climber alone is not enough to work with us; our standards demand that trip leaders are great guides as well. You will find your guide friendly, approachable and focused on providing a safe and enjoyable trip in line with your objectives and comfort level.
Success with the highest margin of care is always a hallmark of our approach; promoting the realisation that even extreme pursuits such as high altitude mountaineering can be undertaken safely.
Adventure Consultants only employs IFMGA qualified guides for European ascents and courses and this is the only certification that is recognised in the French Alps. In order to gain these qualifications guides must undergo rigorous training and assessment on climbing skills, instructional skills, avalanche training and assessment, wilderness first aid, rescue training and much more. The qualification takes many years to attain and ensures you are getting a world class professional service.
Head Office Support Team
Running successful journeys and expeditions is more about experience, knowledge and strategic management than any other factors. As an organisation, we place a substantial amount of time and resources into ensuring our trips are well planned and supported. You can be assured that the AC staff will provide you with friendly advice and knowledgeable support throughout the planning stages of your trip and we will be there to provide backup while the trip is running.
Hayley Furze, Client Liaison
Hayley joins the AC team with a wealth of experience working in the tourism and hospitality industry along with a love of travel. She works as Client Liaison on a number of our European and international ascents, treks and expeditions.
Your Health
Our registration form requests that you advise us of any medical problems you may have and if you are on any medication. Any information you supply will be treated as confidential.
Level of Experience Required
The 2 day course is designed for people who are new to ice climbing and always wanted to give it a try. The duration of the course is designed to enable you to develop good basic skills from which to launch your ice climbing obsession, should you so wish!
Difficulty Rating
Each of our trips is individually rated according to its physical and technical difficulty, displayed in the icons towards the top of each trip page. You can click on the accompanying question mark for additional descriptions and the full run-down of our grading system is available on our Difficulty Ratings page.
Preparing for Your Trip
To make the most of your climbing experience we encourage you to work on your fitness prior to the trip. For general mountain fitness you will find that training on hills with a 10kg + pack on is the best preparation for the mountains, with the aim of building your endurance. Ice climbing does require an amount of upper body fitness so time at the rock gym will help get you honed for the ice. Your guide will be attuned to your fitness levels and will select appropriate routes for your ability. See our Fitness Training Programs for information on how we can help you prepare for your trip.
Insurance
We strongly recommend that you take out trip cancellation and travel insurance to protect yourself in case of injury or mishap prior to/or whilst on our trips.
While our focus is on safety and our track record supports this, the mountains do have hazards and there is the potential for mishap. If you were injured whilst on the trip there is a very efficient rescue service nearby.
Food
Adventure Consultants will provide breakfasts for the duration of the week. You will be responsible for your own lunch and snacks each day, plus your evening meals for the two nights in Chamonix. Evening meals for the four nights in Cogne are included. In Chamonix, you can experience the exciting culinary options available as there are many restaurants and bars within close walking distance to the hotel that provide a variety of foods to suit your tastes, or you can elect to eat at the hotel.
In addition to your lunches, it is a good idea to bring a small selection of your favourite snack food and hydration drinks with you to ensure you are fuelled by your preferred brands. Actual amounts depend on your consumption but two bars/snacks per day in addition to your lunch would seem reasonable. If you have any special dietary requirements, please advise us at the time of registration. If your dietary requirements are especially strict you are advised to bring a sufficient supply of your required food types with you to ensure you are provided for.
Accommodation
Accommodation is provided on a twin share B&B basis from Saturday evening through to the following Sunday morning after breakfast. The 2-3 star hotels we utilise are clean and comfortable and include breakfast. If you want single accommodation or a higher standard of accommodation, we can arrange this for you should you wish. Please enquire about options and costs at time of enquiry.
Clothing & Equipment
Climbing in the European Alps requires you have high quality clothing and equipment due to the extremes of weather conditions. Our focus is on having the essential clothing and equipment to keep you warm and comfortable during the climbing days.
Your guide will go through an equipment checklist with you at the beginning of your trip. You can rent technical equipment for the course but you must provide your own clothing appropriate to mountaineering as per the equipment list. Actual equipment taken may vary subject to seasonal weather and route conditions. Group equipment including ropes and technical hardware will be provided by your guide but if you have your won tools and ice screws feel free to bring them along.
Communications & Messages
Our guides are in cell phone communication with our operations base throughout the trip. This assists us with schedule and weather forecast updates, lift and accommodation co-ordination and safety back up. Your own mobile phone should work in the region though you may want to check with your own service provider first. Local mobile phones can be rented at the international airports.
Climbing Season
We operate our Ice Climbing Weeks during January and February. In March and April we can still climb in some areas so contact us for private guiding rates at these times.
Europe has a continental climate which in general encourages more stable weather. However, the weather in the high mountains can be changeable and at times very severe with temperatures dropping as low as minus 20°C.
| Day | |
| 0 | Arrive into Chamonix. Hotel night. |
| 1 | The team meets at 8:00am at the hotel for a briefing. Your guide will go over the activities for the week and answer any last minute questions. After organising any gear you need to hire, we drive drive through the Mont Blanc Tunnel to Italy to the Cogne Valley. We will find one of the many venues in the region to practice ice climbing techniques and get warmed up for the week. Overnight in Cogne Hotel. |
| 2 | Although there are some very hard mixed climbs in the region such as the' X Files’; one of the first M10s climbed in 1997 by the eccentric Stevie Haston, there is also an abundance of climbs ranging from the easy training routes through to the desperates! Perhaps today you may attempt Lillaz Gully, a 200m Grade 4. Overnight in Cogne Hotel. |
| 3 | Walk half an hour to attempt one of the many routes close to the hotel. There are several routes that are longer but of an easier grade, which help you to consolidate your skills without straining the body too much. Overnight in Cogne Hotel. |
| 4 | Perhaps today you may tackle a route such as Patri Classica, a divine 4 pitch route that flows up a series of walls culminating in a stunning last pitch. The trail to the base follows the Valnontey Valley for just over an hour to the base, so you are well warmed up when you arrive. Overnight in Cogne Hotel. |
| 5 | Today you will enjoy our last climbs in Cogne Valley before driving back to Chamonix late in the afternoon. Perhaps you will be leading something you have had your eye on to finish the week off on! Perhaps you may decide to climb Cold Couloir, one of the most famous long routes (400m, Grade 4+). Finally it is time to pack up the kit and return to Chamonix. Chamonix hotel night and time to celebrate a great week on the ice. |
| 6 | Breakfast and a chance to exchange photos, before departing for home. |
PLEASE NOTE: The programme may be subject to change if conditions are more suitable in another region or factors such as weather to lift service precludes access into this region. If this option was to incur additional costs your guide will discuss the options with you prior to any commitment being made.
We commence and finish our 5 Day Ice Climbing Week in Chamonix, France. The closest international airport is in Geneva, just over the border in Switzerland. Regular shuttles operate up to Chamonix and the trip takes about 1.5 hours. We can help you arrange shuttle transport and your shuttle driver will drop you at our accommodation. At the completion of the course the shuttle can take you back to the airport. The shuttle transfers are at your own cost.
Chamonix is located in the heart of the European Alps, and is central to much of the best mountaineering that the Alps have to offer. There is a huge variety of properties on offer in Chamonix and after many years of operating out of the Alps we have discovered the area's finest. At Adventure Consultants we spend a considerable amount of time reviewing the accommodation providers, so as to keep this aligned with our high standards.
Contact us if you would like to upgrade your hotel before or after your European Alps trip, there are several superb properties in the area. We profile our favourite selection below:
HOTEL MONT BLANC
Why we recommend this property
Originally built in 1849, this fine establishment is located in the heart of Chamonix. Surrounded by private gardens the hotel was recently renovated to be reminiscent of the elegant19th-century palaces. Each room has been interior-designed by renowned French designer Sybille de Margerie and is inspired by nature and the environment. Every room offers a stunning panorama of the surrounding mountains. The 14-metre outdoor heated swimming pool can be used year round and offers spectacular views of nearby Mont Blanc. 'La Mafatan' restaurant where chef Mickey Bourdillat produces cuisine that will take you on a culinary journey.
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HOTEL LE MORGANE
Why we recommend this property
This luxury boutique hotel is located right in the centre of Chamonix and offers guests top quality service. Chef Daniele Raimondi produces some of Chamonix's finest cuisine at 'Le Bistrot' restaurant. Offers a variety of rooms from singles, deluxe to suites, and every room features balconies allowing views of Mont Blanc or Le Brévent. Hotel facilities include a small lounge, library, relaxation pool and spa, a ski storage room and free WiFi. The loan of bicycles and electric bikes, as well as a valet car service is offered.
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Why not complete your winter European Alps Experience with some backcountry ski touring with Adventure Consultants. Enjoy a full week of guided ski touring in Chamonix or Grindelwald, or complete the classic European ski tour Haute Route. With options from two to seven days or more, it's the perfect winter hiatus!
Your family or friends may wish to join you on your holiday but don't like the idea of actually climbing a mountain. Let us know if this is the situation and we will be able to put together an itinerary that keeps them busy while you are up high. There are so many wonderful things to do, so contact us and we will help to organise the perfect programme.
Finding the right travel and rescue insurance for your mountaineering adventure can be tricky! Rest assured when you book with the expedition specialists here at Adventure Consultants we'll help by sending through advice on what you'll need, including:
For further information check out our Travel and Rescue Insurance page or contact us.
The following is to serve as a helpful guideline but please feel free to contact us if you have any further questions. Our team is here to help!
info@adventure.co.nz
NZ: +64 3 443 8711 (Monday - Friday, 8:30am - 5:00pm PST + 19 hours)
How long have Adventure Consultants been in operation?
Adventure Consultants started in 1990 and we have been guiding internationally ever since. You can read the full story of AC's history here.
A few outfitters claim to have the same level of experience and prestige as Adventure Consultants. In this league, what makes you the first choice for your climbers?
On all of the European courses and ascents that we operate, we offer focused guide attention throughout the course to ensure consistency across the programme. Whilst other operators combine you with large groups on training days, we know that your safety will be better protected and the learning progressions will be enhanced with the attentive care of your guide.
Adventure Consultants guides are BMG/NZMGA and/or IFMGA/UIAGM qualified mountain guides. They are professional mountaineers and operate to the highest standard. Our guides are not only highly experienced climbers, but they are great guides with good people skills hence you will find that your guide is friendly, approachable and focused on providing a safe and enjoyable trip.
What will the accommodation be like on my trip?
During your nights in town, accommodation is provided on a twin share B&B basis in a comfortable hotel. These hotels all have laundry facilities and it is easy to leave any additional gear stored safely whilst you are away. In the mountains, we stay in alpine huts on a shared bunk room or dormitory basis. Washing and shower facilities are not available in the huts.
A single supplement is not available in the mountain huts, but we are happy to arrange this for an additional cost at the hotels. If you wish to upgrade to a higher grade of hotel accommodation, then please get in touch to discuss the many fabulous options available.
Please note that for some courses we incorporate camping nights. This will be clearly stated in the course curriculum.
Which meals are provided?
Adventure Consultants will provide breakfasts for the duration of your trip, plus dinners on nights spent in the mountains. You will be responsible for your own lunches, snacks and bottled water. We recommend you purchase snacks such as nuts, fruit, chocolate, muesli bars and baguette or crackers with cheese, ham and other fillings. On climbing days, lunch tends to start right after breakfast(!) and continue through the day as we keep energy levels high. Evening meals on non-mountain nights are also not included and this allows you to experience the exciting culinary options available in the alpine resorts. Should you decide to take a meal that is not in the programme, this is at your own expense. We can cater for vegetarians as well as many other special diets as long as we are informed of this prior to the trip.
What is the hut food like?
Breakfasts in the mountain huts usually consist of European-style bread with jam and cheese etc. A typical evening menu would include a hearty soup followed by a pasta dish or stew and then dessert. If you feel like a glass of wine or beer with your meal, please bring cash or a credit card.
Do I need to arrive the day before the trip starts? And when should I book my flight to leave?
No, our trip programmes all have an arrival day and a departure day built into them. You are welcome (and encouraged) to explore your arrival/departure points before or after the trip if you have the time.
When should I book my ticket?
If on a course, we generally ask you to wait until 60 days prior to your trip start date to ensure that your trip has met the minimum numbers and will operate. If you are on an ascent or private trip, do feel free to book whenever suits. If you see a good deal and want to book your flights, you should ensure you can make changes to your tickets and it is a good idea to purchase trip cancellation insurance, in the event that you need to cancel.
Where do we meet? Will I be picked up?
For our European departures, we recommend that you arrive into Geneva International Airport, which is located just over the French border in Switzerland. Regular shuttles and train services operate up to Chamonix and private transfers can be arranged to Zermatt, Lauterbrun and Grindelwald. We are happy to assist in arranging any transfer requirements and the driver will meet you at the airport, as well as drop you off at your accommodation.
What if I am arriving early or departing late?
Adventure Consultants can make reservations for you and can often make recommendations for attractions you can enjoy while waiting for your trip to begin. Please let our office know your specific plans.
Do you have a recommended list of clothing we should bring?
Yes, you will get be sent a personal clothing and equipment list once our office has received your trip registration form and deposit.
Do I really need all the equipment on the equipment list?
Yes, these lists have been carefully prepared. Please bring everything on the list!
How warm do we need our sleeping bags to be? Will there be extra blankets available if required?
This will be clearly stated in your recommended gear list. It will depend on where you are going, but in general, you will not need a sleeping bag in the European mountain huts as bedding is provided. Adventure Consultants have an experienced Equipment Coordinator, so should any questions arise as to what is required, please do let us know.
I will be climbing at altitude, so does Adventure Consultants take this into consideration?
When planning our courses and ascent programmes, we seriously consider the altitude and ensure that all of our itineraries allow for sufficient acclimatisation and rest days, if required.
I want to give myself the best chance of success on my climb; what advice does Adventure Consultants have to help me succeed?
If you are concerned about how you will cope at altitude, wish to refresh your climbing skill, or simply just want to give yourself the best chance of success, then consider the 2-day Pre-Course & Acclimatisation Programme. This pre-course has been designed to kick-start your acclimatisation and refresh your climbing skills before heading onto the main objective of your course or ascent.
How many guides will be assigned to our group?
The ratio of climbers to guides is stated on each trip’s web page in the downloadable 'Trip Notes' section above.
How much weight can we carry on the climb/course?
When initially climbing up to the mountain huts, you will be required to carry all of the equipment that is needed for the following day's course or ascent. From the hut, you will carry your day pack with your technical climbing equipment, warm clothes, water, snacks, sun block, camera and whatever else you need for the day. Generally, it will be around 10kgs/20lbs.
Who goes on your trips?
Our climbers and skiers come from a wide variety of backgrounds, interests, countries and skill levels ranging from those seeking skill development to those seeking assistance in view of climbing the world's highest mountains, or purely adventure. We provide courses, expeditions, treks, ski tours and guided ascents for all levels of outdoor enthusiasts.
I would like to arrange a private trip, is this possible?
We are happy to arrange a private group trip to the destination of your choice and we have run many successful private trips and expeditions including summits of Europe's more technical and challenging peaks. There is no specific group size, but obviously larger groups are more cost-effective. Please contact the office for more information or visit our Private Customised Expeditions page.
What kind of physical condition should I be in?
We encourage you to work on your fitness prior to your course or ascent. When training, it is recommended you carry a pack for long periods on hills and uneven terrain. Over time, increase the pack weight until you are comfortable with 15-20kgs. Gym training, swimming, running and cycling also add to your base fitness and are a great addition to a pack training program. Visit our Fitness Training page for more details and check out the training programs and online coaching services that we offer in conjunction with our partners at Uphill Athlete.
How do I know this is the right trip for me?
We offer trips to suit all levels of ability and ambition, from your first mountain experience to extreme ascents and everything in between. To help you navigate the choices available, our trips are graded by both the level of physical exertion and the level of skill required, allowing you to find your perfect expedition match. These ratings are displayed in the icons at the top of each expedition page, with a further explanation available by clicking on the accompanying question mark. A full run-down of the categories can be found on our Difficulty Ratings page and our team is more than happy to discuss your experience to find the right trip for you.
Will there be any access to a satellite phone? If yes then what would be the charges for usage?
In Europe, there is no need to use a satellite phone as you will find that there is cell phone coverage in most of the towns and mountain huts that we utilise (with the exception of the Vittorio Emanuele Hut). Your guide will also stay in touch with our European Coordinator in Chamonix with updates on the trip. It is very easy to purchase a European SIM card but do remember if using a French SIM in Italy, you will be charged international rates and vice versa.
I want to contact my friend or relative, who is on one of your trips, how can I reach them?
The best place to reach a loved one is through our office. As mentioned above, your guide will stay in touch with our European Coordinator who is based in Chamonix, who then relays messages between your guide and our NZ office.
Can I charge electronic devices while in the mountains?
Generally charging is not available so please ensure that your phones, iPods and kindles etc. are well charged up before leaving the hotel for your climb.
What weather report service do you use? How often do you receive a weather report during the trip?
Forecasts are posted daily in the huts and information relayed through the hut guardian to the guides. Your guide will also be in cell phone communication with our Operations Coordinator and/or Chief Guide for weather updates throughout the trip.
What insurance do we need to get?
We highly recommend comprehensive travel insurance and trip cancellation insurance, as well as evacuation and medical insurance. Read your policy's fine print to make sure it covers you for trekking or climbing, depending on what trip you have booked and that it covers you for helicopter evacuation.
Do I need evacuation insurance?
Yes, it is very important. Evacuation insurance is required for members of our European Courses & Ascents to cover your evacuation from the mountain in the case of your injury or illness. You must ensure that your policy covers you for mountaineering as many policies exclude these activities from their schedule of benefits. In the European Alps, rescues are coordinated by the local authorities and the very high costs are charged directly to the user i.e. you/your travel insurance company.
Who do you recommend for insurance?
Coverage varies based on your nationality and the trip that you are taking with us. When you have booked on for a trip with us we will send you comprehensive information on various insurance options which will serve as a good starting point for obtaining the best coverage available for yourself.
What is trip cancellation insurance?
Trip cancellation insurance is an option that may allow you to cancel your trip without losing the total cost of the trip. Adventure Consultants highly recommends cancellation insurance for all of our trips as it is not unknown for people to have unforeseen circumstances that force them to cancel their trips for reasons such as family illness, injury to self, etc. If circumstances cause us to cancel a trip (e.g. minimum numbers are not reached) then we refund your fees paid but trip cancellation insurance covers your airfare and any other costs you may have incurred.
Can I pay by credit card?
We can accept both the trip deposit and balance payment on credit card. Please note that there is a 3% fee for all card transactions. Please contact our office or visit our online payment system.
What is included in the cost of my trip? Does it include airfare?
Please see the 'Payment Conditions' section above for the inclusions and exclusions for this particular trip. There is also a downloadable pdf document in the 'Trip/Course Notes' section above. International airfares are not included in the trip price. We can however recommend excellent travel agents with whom we have worked should you require help with arranging your international airfare.
Why are you sometimes more expensive than other operators?
Many of our trips are very similar in price to our competitors. Some companies even wait for us to set our prices and use ours as a guideline!! Some of our main selling points, which sometimes do cost more, are internationally qualified guides, proven dependable local operators, small group sizes and safe client-to-guide ratios, quality equipment and high summit success rates, among other things. You do get what you pay for which is why we stand out from the rest. Many clients come to us after failing on one of our competitors ‘cheaper’ trips.
How do I sign up for a trip?
The best way to reserve your space on a trip contact our office or complete our online booking form (click 'Book Now' below). Your deposit can be submitted by bank transfer (please see 'Payment Details' in the 'Payment Conditions' section above) or via our secure online payment system.
info@adventure.co.nz
NZ: +64 3 443 8711 (Monday - Friday, 8:30am - 5:00pm PST + 19 hours)
I love the photographs in your brochure and on your website, are they for sale?
Yes, our images are available for licensing or purchase. Please contact our office for more information.
What is the best equipment for photography in alpine environments?
Remember photos are wonderful records of your trip but keep camera gear simple and light to best enjoy the trip you are on. Disposable and digital cameras are the lightest weight, but all cameras have maintenance issues that need to be carefully considered before bringing them to high elevations.
I want to become a mountain guide, where do I start?
Those with limited experience generally start by taking an alpine climbing course and then go out and climb for a few years. You generally should have at least 5 years of climbing and/or teaching/guiding experience. You need avalanche and medical training and then you can apply to do an NZ Mountain Guides Course or the equivalent in your country, aligned with the IFMGA.
Please see Adventure Consultants Mountain Guide Scholarships on our Career Opportunities page and check the New Zealand Mountain Guides Association for more information.
